While many are now into using hair dye to color or add highlights to their hair, preliminary studies on the chemicals of hair colourants remain inconclusive. The general perception is that since hair dyes tend to penetrate into the hair shafts, the chemical components used by these hair additives applied on a regular basis can increase cancer risks.
Related studies conducted to determine if the chemicals in hair dyes are linked to the cases of cancerous diseases, there was not sufficient evidence to prove that the hair dyes in use today have the same cancer-causing effects as the hair colourants used during the 1980s. While manufacturers claim to have changed the formulation in order to make the colourants safer to use, there is still the possibility that some ingredients can still heighten cancer risks.
Chemical Ingredients Commonly Used in Hair Dyes
Hair dyes or highlights that cen easily be washed off by shampoo obviously do not have the chemical ingredients used in permanent hair colors. The problem in determining which chemical ingredients are cancer causing is the availability of many different types of hair colourants applied DIY or accessed as a hair salon service.
According to studies, there are actually thousands of different chemicals in use but the most common are hydrogen peroxide, aromatic amines and ammonia. Some other unknown chemicals were found to affect the body’s level of hormone production, particularly estrogen. Such changes are deemed as relevant in the the growth and spread of cancer.
Lab Researchers Show that Some Hair Dye Chemicals Can Increase Risks of Cancer Growth
Lab experiments performed on laboratory animals and on human cancer cells revealed that aromatic animes have caused cancer growth. Yet not all hair dye lab experiments produced the same results, which is why up to now the links associating hair dyes to cancer diseases are still regarded as not conclusive.
In a separate study, African Americans who are into using hair dye at intervals of between 5 to 8 weeks, have shown 60% increased risk if developing breast cancer, compared to African American women who do not use hair dye at all.
However, the World Health Organization, through its subsidiary, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) conducted reviews of the studies concerning hair dyes and cancer. The IARC later released a report on their reviews, stating that there is still not enough evidence to prove that people who use hair dyes are likely to develop a cancerous disease.
What the IARC found is some evidence that hair salon workers, particularly hairdressers who are directly involved in the application of hair dyes on numerous customers are more likely to be at risk of developing a type of cancer.
The studies are considered as not entirely conclusive because many other factors can increase cancer risks, in addition to the presence of hair dyes; Such factors include family genetics, an individual’s diet and lifestyle including smoking.
Consider the Balayage Highlight Application Method
The Balayage highlight application method is not new as the French have been using this hair-coloring technique for a long time. It gained popularity in upscale beauty salons in the U.S. since more and more people have become concerned with the cancer risks being linked to hair dyes.
Instead of combing in or shampooing hair colorant on the hair in ways that allow chemical ingredients to penetrate the hair shaft, the Balayage highlight method is literally and manually painted on the hair strand by the salon’s professional colorists. The technique is safe because the dye and its chemical ingredient will not sit on the scalp while wrapped in foil.
If you are a Florida resident, be in the know that there’s a hair salon Orlando women particularly like because its services include Balayage highlights. Known as The Look Salon and Spa, it’s actually located in Oviedo, just a few miles outside of Orlando, Florida.